SE1130128A1 - Repeatable plasma generator and method therefore - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the repeatable initiation of propellent charges in a weapon system, for example in the firing of projectiles from a barrel weapon, through electrical discharge between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) in a combustion chamber channel (3) filled with filler gas and comprising a combustion chamber combustion element (30), in which the filler gas in the combustion chamber channel (3) is ionized via a high-voltage potential from at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103), which ionization increases the electrical conductivity in the combustion chamber channel (3) so that an electrical flashover, through electrical discharge via a high-voltage generator (5) between the rear electrode (22) and the front electrode (21), is generated from the rear electrode (22) via at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) onward to the front electrode (21), which results in hot ignition gas with plasma- like state being expelled from the combustion chamber channel (3). The invention also relates to a plasma generator for the said method, and to an ammunition unit comprising the said plasma generator.

Description

15 20 25 30 35 English LOVA (LOW VulnerAbility). Low-sensitivity fuels are difficult to ignite, which reduces the risk of unintentional initiation of fuel in risk situations, for example when a combat vehicle is shelled with a fire. The reduced sensitivity also entails increased demands on the igniters. The igniters must then generate an increased amount of energy and / or increased pressure to create the ignition process. The igniters normally consist of an easily initiated igniter and if the amount of igniter is increased, it is in direct opposition to the introduction of propellant of type LOVA. In principle, ignition takes place through an ignition chain where a very small amount of sensitive igniter, called the primary set, for example lead azide or silver azide, is ignited by mechanical shock or electrical pulse.

The primary batch then ignites the secondary batch of the lighter, usually black powder, initiating the propellant. By replacing the pyrotechnic lighter or the entire ignition chain with a plasma lighter, the system's sensitivity to accidental initiation is reduced.

At the same time, increased dynamics are made possible to generate the stronger ignition pulses required to ignite low-sensitivity fuels (LOVA).

Conventional lighters also include a logistical and technical problem. For barrel weapons that use propellant charges separated from the projectiles such as artillery and heavier ship cannons, a separate firing cartridge is often used to initiate the propellant charge. An ignition cartridge is used for each firing. Thus, a mechanical system mounted on the gun is required for storage, charging and removal of the ignition cartridge. By using plasma lighters, the logistical problems around the ignition cartridge are avoided. A common problem is that the ignition cartridge gets stuck in the cartridge position. The ignition cartridge expands when firing the weapon system, whereupon the ignition cartridge wedges into the cartridge position and a fire interruption occurs. With the introduction of a plasma lighter, interruptions of fire are avoided and operational safety is increased.

Plasma igniters for initiating propellant charges are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,231,242 (A) and 6,703,580 (B2). The plasma ends are based on the principle of exploding wires, i.e. an electrically conductive wire that is heated, gasified and partially ionized by an electric current. The disadvantage is that the wire is consumed and must be replaced with a new one before each firing. The plasma igniter is thus of the disposable type.

Repeatable plasma lighters are known, for example, from patent documents DE-103 35 890 (A1) and DE-40 28 41] (A1). The plasma ends are based on the principle that an electrically conductive liquid is injected between two electrodes with an electrical potential difference whereby the electrical circuit is short-circuited and generates a discharge and plasma generation. The use of liquids involves complicated devices for dosing and delivery as well as problems with possibly toxic, energetic or flammable substances. The use of liquids also requires complicated logistics for handling liquids.

The Swedish patent application SE 1001 194-8 shows a plasma lighter with ionization electrodes for ionization of a combustion chamber substance where the ionization means that an electrical transfer between two electrodes is possible. The proposed plasma igniter is only partially adaptable for different lengths of the plasma igniter and different ignition energies.

An object of the present invention is to solve the problems identified above.

A further object of the present invention is an improved method for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system, where complicated dosing and supply of liquids between electrodes is avoided.

A further object of the present invention is an improved plasma generator for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system, where complicated devices for dosing and supplying liquids between electrodes are avoided.

A further object of the present invention is an improved plasma generator for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system, where the length and ignition energy of the plasma generator can be adapted.

A further object of the present invention is an ammunition unit comprising said improved plasma generator.

The said objects, as well as other objects not listed here, are met in a satisfactory manner within the scope of what is stated in the present claims.

Thus, according to the present invention, there has been provided an improved method for repeatedly initiating propellant charges in a weapon system, for example when firing a projectile from a firing device, by electrically discharging into a combustion chamber duct comprising a combustion chamber blank. The invention relates to a method for repeatedly initiating propellant charges in a weapon system, for example when firing projectiles from a barrel weapon, by electrically discharging between a rear electrode and a front electrode in a combustion gas-filled combustion chamber channel comprising a combustion chamber blank where in the combustion chamber duct is ionized via a high voltage potential from at least one ionization electrode, which ionization increases the electrical conductivity in the combustion chamber duct so that an electrical surge, by electrical discharge via a high voltage generator between the rear electrode and the front electrode, is generated from the further ionizing electrode to the front electrode, which means that hot ignition gas with a plasma-like state is driven out of the combustion chamber duct.

According to further aspects of the improved method for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system according to the invention applies; that the electrical flare, by electrical discharge via the high voltage generator between the rear electrode and the front electrode, is generated from the rear electrode via at least one ionization electrode on to the front electrode by the stepwise electrical flips, from the rear electrode via the ionization electrodes to the front electrode , initiates the next flashover by further ionizing the filler gas of UV light created by said electric flashover together with displacing the electric field from the rear electrode towards the front electrode via the ionization electrodes. that the electrical discharge through the combustion chamber duct is propagated through the plasma generator; (a) from the rear electrode to the first ionization electrode, (b) from the first ionization electrode to the second ionization electrode, (c) from the second ionization electrode to the third ionization electrode, (d) from the third ionization electrode to the fourth ionization electrode, (e) from the fourth ionization electrode the ionization electrode to the front electrode. that the electrical discharge of the electrical energy in the high voltage generator takes place between the rear electrode and the front electrode and to the filling gas in the combustion chamber duct by the filling gas being ionized by the electrical discharge. That the electrical discharge from the high voltage generator occurs when the conductivity in the combustion chamber duct is sufficient to generate an electrical surge. that the ionization electrodes are resistively connected to ground.

The neutral filler gas may be atmospheric gas or residual gas from the previous firing. The electrical discharge may consist of a surface overflow, volume overflow or a transition from surface overflow from bonded charges in the surface of the combustion chamber blank which passes to volume overflow in the combustion chamber duct.

The volume estimate in the combustion chamber channel and the subsequent power development increases the gas pressure in the combustion chamber and energy is emitted via recombination between free electrons and ions as well as neutrals to photons that dissociate and ionize the filler gas and the combustion chamber surface. This surface thus emits gas to the combustion chamber duct, which further raises the pressure and adds additional neutrals to the volume, which has a braking effect on the impedance collapse that occurs in the combustion chamber duct and increases the proportion of electrical power in the combustion chamber when the impedance does not go to zero. open geometry. The pressure and temperature rise in the combustion chamber expel hot ignition gas with plasma-like and electrically conductive characteristics from the bushing of one terminal to reach the fuel to be initiated.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, there has been provided an improved plasma generator for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system, for example when firing projectiles from a barrel weapon, by electrical discharge between a rear electrode and a front electrode in a combustion chamber contained and with filling gas. filled combustion chamber channel arranged in connection with a propellant charge where the plasma generator comprises at least one ionization electrode connected to an initiation circuit for ionizing the filling gas in the combustion chamber channel, and a second high voltage generator arranged for electrical discharge in the electrically conductive gas from the further ionizing electrode. the electrode so that hot ignition gas under high pressure is formed.

According to further aspects of the improved plasma generator of the invention; that the initiation circuit comprises at least a first high voltage generator and at least one switch connected to the first terminal of at least one capacitor, the ionization electrode being connected to the second terminal of said capacitor by a resistor comprising in at least one electrical circuit . that the initiating circuit, in addition to the resistor connected to the second terminal of the capacitor, comprises at least one inductor connected between the ionizing electrode and the resistor. that the ionization electrodes are fixedly arranged to the combustion chamber end, the ionization electrodes being in open contact with the combustion chamber channel and electrically connected to the initiation circuit. that the ionization electrodes are distributed with equal distances in the axial direction of the combustion chamber channel. that the ionization electrodes are distributed at equal distances around the center axis of the combustion chamber channel. that the ionization electrodes are four pieces. that the rear electrode arranged on the rear end of the combustion chamber duct is electrically connected to the second high voltage generator and that the front electrode arranged on the front end of the combustion chamber duct is connected to ground, which rear and front electrode are made of an electrically conductive material; the front electrode is provided with a gas outlet that murmurs towards the discharge. that the gas outlet is a convergent nozzle. that the gas outlet is a divergent nozzle. that the gas outlet is a convergent-divergent nozzle. that the bram chamber chamber is made of a material which is not consumed at the initiation of the plasma generator.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided an improved ammunition unit comprising a grenade shell, a projectile, a propellant charge and an igniter, which igniter is constituted by a plasma generator. The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures therein: Fig. 1 schematically shows a longitudinal section of a repeatable plasma generator according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a circuit diagram of the connection of the electrodes according to the invention.

F ig. 3 shows an alternative circuit diagram of the connection of the electrodes according to the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a detailed enlargement of the combustion chamber blank in Fig. 1 according to the invention.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a section of an ammunition unit comprising a plasma generator according to the invention.

The plasma generator 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a front electrode 21, a combustion chamber blank 30 comprising a combustion chamber channel 3 and a rear electrode 22.

Furthermore, the plasma generator 1 comprises a number, in figure four, of ionizing electrodes 100, 101, 102 and 103. The ionizing electric electrodes are connected to the initiating circuit 99, not shown in Figs. 1.

The combustion chamber blank 30, preferably tubular, is part of the plasma generator 1 and forms the combustion chamber channel 3 of the plasma generator. The combustion chamber channel 3 extends axially through the plasma generator between a front electrode 21 and a rear electrode 22.

The front part of the combustion chamber channel 3, i.e. the gas outlet 24 of the plasma generator 1 is preferably formed as a nozzle mounted or directly machined in the front electrode 21. The front electrode 21 is connected to electrical ground 4. The rear electrode 22 is electrically connected to a high voltage generator 5, also called the second high voltage generator, and mounted against the combustion chamber blank 30. One or more ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102 and 103, completely or partially enclosing the combustion chamber channel 3, are connected to an extreme initiation circuit 99 comprising an extreme high voltage generator 2, also called the first high voltage generator.

The ionizing electrodes 100, 101, 102 and 103 can be placed in a row one after the other but also partially rotated around the center line 7. For an advantageous embodiment of the plasma generator 1, the size and location of the ionizing electrodes are chosen so that all ionizing electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103 are visually visible from the short side of the plasma generator, the ionization electrodes are in this case placed at different angles around the center line 7. The combustion chamber blank 30 may comprise a sacrificial material arranged between the front electrode 21 and the rear electrode 22, suitably in the form of a tube.

The electrical circuit diagram of the external initiation circuit 99 is described in Fig. 2. In FIG. 2 shows how the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103 are connected to the initiating circuit 99. Two high voltage capacitors, 120 and 121, are charged to a high voltage with a high voltage generator 2. The charging current is limited by a charging resistor 1 15. Charging resistor 115 also minimizes the discharge current to the high voltage generator 120 and 121. The connection point on the capacitors 120, 121 which is connected to the high voltage generator 2 is charged to a high voltage potential. The opposite side of the capacitors 120, 121, the side which is not connected to the high voltage generator, is connected to earth 4 by current limiting resistors 11, 16, 16. The resistors 114, 16 are designed to constitute a current limiting when charging the capacitors 120, 121 and when discharging the capacitors 120, 121 and thereby initiating the plasma generator, it acts as a current limiter for the current pulse which passes through the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103. Between the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103, current-limiting electrode resistors 110, 11, 112, 113 are connected. In the case where four ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103 are used, as shown in the figure, only two of the electrode resistors 111, 112 are needed. The electrode resistors 110 and 113 shown in the figure are shown to exemplify how the connection can be extended for further connection of a greater number of ionization electrodes than four. The number of ionization electrodes can be freely selected based on the desired size of the plasma generator 1, desired driving voltages and available and desired energy levels. A switch 130, also called a switch, can at some point terminate the high voltage side of the capacitor to ground. The switch 130 may be of the trigatron, spark gap, semiconductor or other types of switches. Resistors 114 and 116 prevent the discharge current from the second high voltage generator 5 from being discharged through the ionization electrodes. The electrical discharge is driven to go from the rear electrode 22 to the front electrode 21 as the resistors 114 and 116 and the electrode resistors 110, 111, 112, 113 prevent the current from flowing to ground 4 through the initiation circuit 99. In Figs. 3 shows an alternative circuit diagram for extreme initiation circuit 99 'over a connection of the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103. In all electrical circuits there is a certain inductance, also called current inductances, where the inductances in the circuit affect how the electrical signals in the circuit propagate. By introducing inductances 140 in the circuit from the ionization electrodes located at a longer distance from the rear electrode 22, the electrical surge in the combustion chamber channel 3 can be controlled. The inserted inductances 140 are preferably larger than the current inductances present in the circuit.

The combustion chamber 30 according to Fig. 4 is preferably designed to be consumed in layers by successive combustion of the three blank layers 32, 33 and 34 shown in Fig. 4.

Additional subject layers can of course occur. At each initiation, a layer is consumed, each new energy pulse against the surface of the body 31 exposed in the core core channel 3 gasifying the surface in whole or in part and generating a plasma created by the electrical discharge between the rear electrode 22 and the front electrode 21.

The first pulse gasifies the blank layer 34, the blank layer 33 being exposed towards the core core channel 3. Then the next pulse will gasify the next layer 33 and so on.

The gasification can take place in layers in both the axial and radial directions, but can also take place through an increased consumption of material around the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103 and decreasing towards the front electrode 21 and the rear electrode 22. Other consumption methods are also possible. Fully or partially used combustion chamber blank 30 can easily be replaced with a new one if needed.

The combustion chamber blank 30 can be designed by e.g. lamination technique where a certain number of layers or layers are joined together corresponding to the number of ignition pulses that the plasma generator 1 is dimensioned to generate. The combustion chamber 30 can also be made of a homogeneous material or of homogeneous material in combination with lamination, or by sintering, pressing or other joining technique suitable for joining metallic and polymeric materials, the proportion of metallic material being in the order of 10-50% by weight. and the proportion of polymeric material is in the order of 50-90% by weight. Variation of the amount of energy to the plasma generator can also be used to gasify one or two layers in a laminated combustion chamber 30 or a varied mass in the combustion chamber 30 made of a homogeneous material.

The filling gas in the combustion chamber duct 3 is ionized with the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102 and 103, which increases the conductivity and enables the very powerful, electrical energy pulse triggered by a fixed length of time, amplitude and shape between the front electrode 21 and the rear electrode 22. , which causes the surface layer to be heated, gasified and ionized in whole or in part, layer by layer or layer for plasma, hot gas and hot particles, causing a dry-determined plasma to be blown out through the end orifice opening 24 at a very high pressure and at a very high temperature, and with a large amount of gas and hot particles.

The combustible blank 30 preferably comprises at least one sacrificial material which decomposes into molecules, atoms or ions at least in the plasma formed. Such a sacrificial material suitably contains, for example, hydrogen and carbon. For the generation of hot particles, metallic materials in combination with, for example, hydrogen and carbon can also be part of the combustion chamber blank 30. The shielding chamber blank 30 in the described embodiments is comprised of at least one dielectric polymer material, preferably a high melting temperature plastic (preferably above 150 ° C). gasification temperature (above 550 ° C, preferably above 800 ° C) and low thermal conductivity (preferably below 0.3 W / mK). Particularly resilient plastics include thermoplastics or thermosets, for example polyethylene, fluoroplastics (such as polytetraorethylene, etc.), polypropylene, etc., and polyester, epoxy or polyimides, etc., respectively, to cause only a surface layer or layer 32, 33, 34 of the combustion blank for each energy pulse.

The sacrificial material in the combustion chamber blank 30 should, preferably, also be sublimating, i.e. go directly from solid form to gaseous form. It is also conceivable to arrange different layers of material, thickness etc. to a laminated combustion blank 30 to produce said layered 32, 33, 34 dry gassing of the laminate in the combustion blank 30. Or by sintering, pressing or other joining technique to combine metallic and / or polymers material for a combustion chamber blank 30 to effect said layerwise 32, 33, 34 gasification of the laminate in the combustion chamber blank 30.

The inner and outer radii of the combustion chamber blank 30 are so calculated, dimensioned and manufactured that only the outermost, i.e. the surface of the combustion chamber channel 30 exposed out of the combustion chamber channel 3, between the front electrode 22 and the rear electrode 21 facing free, the surface layer or layer 32, 33, 34 is gasified at each electrical pulse. Optimally, the combustion chamber blank 30 may be consumed at the last plasma generation intended for the plasma generator 1.

Since the consumption of the combustion chamber blank may be dynamically variable between each use, depending on the design of, for example, the propellant, the projectile, the ambient temperature or the nature of the target, the combustion chamber blank 30 is manufactured to a certain margin in order to function within the application. designs.

The combustion chamber blank 30 may also be made of, for example, a ceramic, semiconducting ceramic, or other material such as a plastic or other substance which is not consumed at the initiation of the plasma generator 1. When initiating a plasma generator 1 with a non-dry combustion chamber blank 30, it enters the combustion chamber channel 3. contained the filler gas to be ionized during the electrical discharge. With a combustion chamber blank 30 made of a non-consumable material, the combustion chamber blank 30 does not need to be replaced in repeated use.

Fig. 5 shows a sleeve-mounted ammunition unit 13 with integrated plasma generator.

The plasma generator 1 is mounted in a cartridge case 10, together with a propellant charge 11 and a projectile 12. The propellant charge II may be, for example, a solid powder comprising at least one charge unit in the form of one or more cylindrical rods, disks, blocks, etc.

The charging units are multiperforated with a larger number of burn channels so that a so-called multi-hole gunpowder is obtained. Alternative embodiments of the propellant charge II are of course possible.

The operation and use of the plasma generator 1 according to the invention is as follows.

Upon firing and initiation of the plasma generator 1, the capacitors 120, 121 charged by the high voltage generator 2 are caused to be discharged through the switch 130. The capacitors 120, 121 are connected to the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103, and the charge redistribution upon discharging the capacitors the combustion chamber channel 3. When the degree of ionization is such that plasma generation can be initiated, the second high voltage generator 5 is caused to emit a strong electrical energy pulse comprising a high current and / or a high voltage, both with a certain determined amplitude and pulse length adapted to the current weapon, temperature , propellant charge, projectile, target environment, etc. current properties. The impedance of the plasma generator 1 is at active state, i.e. during plasma generation, which is why a high current is preferably generated from the second high voltage generator 5, in the order of 10 - 100 kA, in order to succeed in over-ignition, however, a high voltage, in the order of 4 - 10 kV, is required. In order to achieve an efficient plasma, for over-ignition of the fuel bed, each energy pulse should exceed 1 kJ, but can amount to 30 kJ, and is supplied to the plasma with a pulse length of between 1 us - 10 ms.

The design with fl eras in the combustion chamber channel 3 following ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102 and 103 causes the electrical flux between the rear electrode 22 and the front electrode 24 to gradually move between the ionization electrodes. At the first flashover or discharge from the rear electrode 22 to the first ionization electrode 100, UV light from the discharge will ionize the filler gas. Furthermore, the electric field extends from the rear electrode 22 to the first ionization electrode 100, which facilitates the subsequent discharge from the ionizing electrode 100 to the ionizing electrode 101. Also during the discharge between the ionizing electrodes 100 to 101, UV light is created for further ionization and another for the electric field of the ionizing electrode. . In the same way, the electrical flare continues to the front electrode 21. A very limited current will flow in the ionization electrodes to ground when the resistance to ground is high. The main part of the electrical energy in the high voltage generator 5 will be discharged from the rear electrode 22 to the front electrode 21 and to the filling gas in the combustion chamber duct 3. The resistors have the order of 100 kOhm in resistance to limit the part of the current flowing from the high voltage generator 5 to earth via the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103. When the initiation of the plasma generator 1 takes place by switching off circuit 130, a charged voltage in the capacitors 120 and 121 will be discharged partly through the switch 130 to earth at the same time as a charge distribution is made from the ionizing electrodes 100, 101 , 102 and 103 and the capacitors 120 and 121. The charge redistribution from the ionization electrode 100 takes place through the resistor 111 and the charge redistribution from the ionization electrode 103 takes place through the resistor 112.

The strong electrical energy pulse will generate an electrical flashover, hereinafter also called arc discharge, between the rear electrode 22, and the front electrode 21, via the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103 and in the plasma channel created by the arc discharge it becomes such a high temperature that the outermost surface layer / layer of the combustion blank 30 melts, gasifies and finally ionizes to a very hot plasma. In an alternative embodiment, a substance supplied to the combustion chamber channel 3 may be a part of the substance which forms plasma in connection with the arc discharge. It may also be the case that only the filling gas is ionized, in this case nothing is consumed by the combustion chamber 30. Generated plasma-like gas is caused, due to the high pressure generated by the gasification in the combustion chamber duct 3, to spray out through the gas outlet 24. , which gas outlet 24 is shaped like a nozzle. Pulse length, pulse shape, current and voltage can be varied depending on current conditions at the time of firing, such as ambient temperature, humidity, etc. and for the special weapon system and ammunition and projectile type types of the present weapon and the current target type, including the distance to said target.

A plasma generator with variable ignition energy enables instantaneous over-ignition of the entire propellant charge and thus enables immediate pressure increase. A plasma generator also has the advantage that the ignition energy can be varied over time unlike a pyrotechnic igniter. Variable ignition energy means that the ignition energy can be adapted to different types and sizes of propellant charges, to vary the projectile's firing distance, and also to compensate for the temperature charge's temperature dependence. The amount of energy that the high voltage generator 5 is charged with is adapted based on the size and performance of the plasma generator 1. As the impedance of the electrical flux between the rear electrode 22, via the ionization electrodes 100, 101, 102, 103, to the front electrode 21 approaches zero, no electrical energy is supplied to the plasma channel. When no energy is supplied to the plasma channel, the pulse from the high voltage generator 5 can be interrupted, terminated or preferably the amount of energy in the high voltage generator 5 can be adjusted so that when the impedance in the electrical surge approaches zero, the high voltage generator 5 is also discharged. In this way, the plasma generator 1 is energy optimized.

Weapon systems can be lit more easily and safely with the proposed repeatable plasma generator. The avoidance of sensitive igniters and ignition cartridges means that full use of low-sensitivity propellants can be introduced. Problems with sensitive mechanics such as a mechanism for changing the ignition cartridge or dosing equipment for liquids can be avoided. The technology entails increased control of the ignition pulse regarding parameters such as energy content, pulse length and ignition time. The ignition pulse can be adaptively adapted to the size of the propellant charge depending on the amount of propellant, the sensitivity of the propellant and the ambient temperature.

An example of a plasma generator according to the invention, intended for use in an artillery system as a replacement for a conventional ignition cartridge, is combustion blank 30 dimensioned to a thickness of about 1-30 mm, whereby layered gasification of the combustion blank was achieved at an energy pulse of about 1-10 kJ with a duration of milliseconds and the voltage in the range 5 - 10 kVolt. Current in the range l - 10 15 20 14 50 kA. The distance between the front electrode 21 and the rear electrode 22 was in the order of 20 - 100 mm.

The invention is not limited to the specially shown embodiments but can be varied in various ways within the scope of the claims.

It will be appreciated, for example, that the number, size, material and shape of the elements and details included in the ammunition unit and plasma generator are adapted to the weapon system or design features and other design features currently available.

It will be appreciated that the ammunition design described above may include fl your various dimensions and projectile types depending on the area of use and barrel width. The above, however, refers to at least the most common projectiles today of between about 25 mm - 160 mm.

In the embodiments described above, the plasma generator comprises only a front gas outlet, but it is within the inventive idea to arrange such openings along the surface of the combustion chamber duct or openings in the front opening 24.

The plasma generator is repeatable but can also be used in a one-off version, for example in an ammunition application, lighter for a combat part or initiation of rocket engines.

Claims (19)

10 15 20 25 30 35 ma. i. varann usla ramslmmusvaruei 2011 -12- 2 9 PATENTKRAV A method for repeatedly initiating propellant charges in a weapon system, for example when firing projectiles from a barrel weapon, by electrically discharging between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) in a combustion gas duct (3) filled with a gas chamber comprising a combustion chamber blank (30), characterized in that the filling gas in the combustion chamber duct (3) is ionized via a high voltage potential from at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103), which ionization increases the electrical conductivity in the combustion chamber duct (3) so that an electrical surge, by electrical discharge via a high voltage generator (5) between the rear electrode (22) and the front electrode (21), is generated from the rear electrode (22) via at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) further to the front electrode ( 21) which causes hot ignition gas with a plasma-like state to be expelled from the combustion chamber duct (3). Method for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical surge, by electrical discharge via the high-voltage generator (5) between the rear electrode (22) and the front electrode (21), is generated from the rear the electrode (22) via at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) further to the front electrode (21) by passing the stepwise electrical passes, from the rear electrode (22) via the ionizing electrodes (100, 101, 102, 103) to the front electrode (21), initiates the next overshoot by further ionizing the filler gas of UV light created by said electric overshoot together with displacing the electric field from the rear electrode (22) towards the front electrode (21) via the ionization electrodes (100). , 101, 102, 103). Method for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the electrical discharge through the combustion chamber channel (3) is propagated through the plasma generator (1); (a) from the rear electrode (22) to the first ionizing electrode (100), (b) from the first ionizing electrode (100) to the second ionizing electrode (101), (c) from the second ionizing electrode (101) to the third ionizing electrode ( 102), (d) from the third ionizing electrode (102) to the fourth ionizing electrode (1 03), (e) from the fourth ionizing electrode (103) to the upper electrode (21). 10 15 20 25 30 35 Method for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrical discharge of the electrical energy in the high voltage generator (5) takes place between the rear electrode (22) and the front electrode (21). ) and to the filling gas in the combustion chamber duct (3) by ionizing the filling gas by the electric discharge. Method for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system according to any one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the electrical discharge from the high-voltage generator (5) takes place when the conductivity in the shield chamber channel (3) is sufficient to generate an electrical surge. Method for repeatable initiation of propellant charges in a weapon system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the attionization electrodes (100, 101, 102, 103) are resistively connected to ground. Plasma generator (1) for repeatedly initiating propellant charges in a weapon system, for example when firing projectiles from a barrel weapon, by electrically discharging between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) in a combustion chamber blank (30). ) comprising a combustion chamber duct (3) arranged in connection with a propellant charge (1 1), characterized in that the plasma generator (1) comprises at least one ionization electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) connected to an initiation circuit (99) for ionization. of the filling gas in the combustion chamber duct (3), and a second high voltage generator (5) arranged for electrical discharge in the electrically conductive gas from the rear electrode (22) via at least one ionizing electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) further to the front electrode ( 21) so that hot ignition gas under high pressure is formed. Plasma generator (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the initiation circuit (99) comprises at least one first high voltage generator (2) and at least one switch (130) connected to the first terminal of at least one capacitor (120, 121), the ionization electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) is connected to the second terminal of said capacitor (120, 121) by a resistor in an electrical circuit comprising at least one resistor (110, 111, 112, 113). Plasma generator (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the initiation circuit (99) in addition to the resistor (110, 1 1 1, 112, 113) connected to the second terminal of capacitor (120, 121) comprises at least one inductor (140) connected between the ionization electrode (100, 101, 102, 103) and the resistor (110, 111, 112, 113). Plasma generator (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the ionization electrodes (100, 101, 102, 103) are fixedly arranged on the combustion chamber blank (30), the ionization electrodes (100, 101, 102, 103) being in the open. contact with the combustion chamber duct (3) and electrically connected to the initiation circuit (99). Plasma generator (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the ionization electrodes (100, 101, 102, 103) are distributed with equal distances in the axial direction of the combustion chamber duct (3). Plasma generator (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the ionization electrodes (100, 101, 102, 103) are distributed at equal distances around the central axis (7) of the combustion chamber channel (3). Plasma generator (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the ionization electrodes (100, 101, 102, 103) are four. Plasma generator (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the rear electrode (22) arranged on the rear end of the chamber chamber (3) is electrically connected to the second high voltage generator (5) and that it is located on the chamber of the combustion chamber (3). front end is arranged front electrode (21) is connected to ground (4), which rear and front electrode are made of an electrically conductive material, and that in the front electrode (21) is arranged a gas outlet (24) which opens out against the propellant charge (1 1). Plasma generator (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the gas outlet (24) is a convergent nozzle. Plasma generator (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the gas outlet (24) is a divergent nozzle. Plasma generator (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the gas outlet (24) is a convergent-divergent nozzle. Plasma generator (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 17, characterized in that the combustion chamber blank (30) is made of a material which is not consumed when the plasma generator is initiated (1). Ammunition unit (13) comprising a grenade sleeve (10), a projectile (12), a propellant charge (11) and an igniter (1), characterized in that the igniter (1) is constituted by a plasma generator (1) according to any one of claims 7-18.